Anavia Unveils HT-750 Heavy-Lift Unmanned Helicopters
At the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, Anavia, a Swiss company now part of the EDGE Group, introduced the HT-750, a heavy-lift unmanned helicopter designed to enhance aerial operations with increased payload capacity and endurance.
Building on Proven Success
The HT-750 is a larger variant of Anavia's successful HT-100 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which is currently operational in nine countries across all continents. The new model retains key design elements of its predecessor, including the distinctive exoskeleton frame that accommodates three modular pods—one at the front and two on the sides. This configuration offers flexibility, allowing users to customize payload and fuel distribution based on specific mission requirements.
Advanced Design and Performance
Featuring a conventional helicopter architecture, the HT-750 is equipped with a four-blade bearing-less main rotor spanning 7.5 meters and a two-blade tail rotor. A turbine engine delivering 230 shaft horsepower (shp) continuously, with a peak of 250 shp during takeoff, powers the aircraft. The HT-750 can achieve speeds up to 222 km/h and operate in wind conditions up to 45 km/h.
The helicopter measures 6.88 meters in length (excluding rotors), 1.67 meters in width, and 3.35 meters in height. Utilizing lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, the HT-750 has a dry empty weight of approximately 400 kg. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,150 kg, it offers a substantial payload capacity of 750 kg, encompassing both mission equipment and fuel.
Modular Payload and Fuel System
The HT-750's exoskeleton design supports various mission-specific pods. At IDEX 2025, a two-seat pod was showcased alongside the helicopter, highlighting the system's versatility. Additional pod configurations include four-seat passenger modules, casualty evacuation setups, cargo transport, and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Some pods feature frontal extensions to accommodate specific equipment, such as stretchers for medical evacuations.
The modular pods are designed for quick interchangeability, enabling rapid reconfiguration of the HT-750 to meet diverse operational needs. This adaptability ensures that the aircraft can efficiently transition between roles, from cargo delivery to surveillance operations.
Autonomy and Control Systems
The HT-750 incorporates advanced autonomy features, allowing for fully autonomous flight operations, including takeoff and landing. Operators can also choose manual-assisted modes via a ground control station. The helicopter is equipped with a line-of-sight, fully encrypted data link providing a 100 Mbps data rate over a range of up to 200 km. For extended missions, a satellite communication (SATCOM) system can be integrated to offer unlimited operational range.
Additional onboard systems include GPS with anti-jamming capabilities, a Detect and Avoid System (DAAS), Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B), and a radar altimeter, enhancing both safety and situational awareness during missions.
Development and Future Plans
The HT-750 displayed at IDEX 2025 was a full-scale mock-up, with the actual aircraft currently under construction. Anavia has leveraged its experience from the HT-100 program to expedite the development and certification processes of the HT-750, collaborating closely with other entities within the EDGE Group. The first flight of the HT-750 is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of heavy-lift unmanned aerial systems.
With its enhanced capabilities and modular design, the HT-750 is poised to set new standards in unmanned helicopter operations, offering a versatile platform for a wide range of military and civilian applications.
